Ask MetaFilter questions tagged with privilege

MySQL problem on Yahoo hosting

Astro Zombie — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 23:24:00 -0800

MySQL problem I am attempting to create a new user in MySQL, with Yahoo as a Web host. When I go to Privileges, I get this message:

Warning: Your privilege table structure seems to be older than this MySQL version!
Please run the script mysql_fix_privilege_tables that should be included in your MySQL server distribution to solve this problem!

My Google fu has failed me. I have no idea how to repair this problem in Yahoo. Help! Thanks!

Am I prejudiced about friends working in service jobs?

divabat — Tue, 06 May 2008 17:36:35 -0800

How do I get over the feeling of awkwardness/guilt/prejudice when I encounter my friends working in service positions? I grew up in an upper-middle-class environment - my dad had a high-profile job, which meant a higher status amongst the local community, perks and privileges (such as a chauffeur and regular maids), and frequent events with the Who's Who of his industry. My mum always told me to "be part of society" and "remember, you are the MD's daughter".

I rebelled against the whole idea of "high society" (I didn't care much about class) but I didn't realize just how ingrained the whole thing was until I followed my family to dinner at a formal Chinese restaurant some years ago. One of the waitresses for our table happened to be an ex-classmate. I said Hi and she was pretty friendly back, but somehow I felt really embarrassed that she was serving me. Then I realized that the idea of her "serving" me seems rather embarrassing in itself.

I don't feel nearly as awkward when I meet a relative stranger working in service - as a cashier, waiter(ess), customer service, etc. I have also done some service work before (info booth, usher, etc) and generally enjoyed it. Yet when I see a friend behind the counter, I get really awkward and guilty, and the whole issue of class/social status/"omg they are SERVING me" gets muddled in my head. (I felt ultra awkward when I went to a local theatre to watch a show and had to buy tickets from my tutor!)

Often my first instinct is to go "oh, no, let me do it myself" - though in many cases this is not possible, such as when I'm trying to buy something. I first feel embarrassed for them, then embarrassed at myself for thinking that their job is embarrassing. I feel guilty that I have to use my friends to get what I'm after. I don't want to be served!

I know it's ultimately just a job, and my "serving me" complex is just me being silly. But how do I get over this awkward feeling? How do I not feel like my friends are working for me, that I am somehow better than them, when I know this is definitely not the case? How do I clear myself of this ingrained prejudice?

Status of journalist privilege laws in the US?

modernnomad — Wed, 16 May 2007 13:45:39 -0800

Whatever happened to the proposed journalist shield bills (S. 1419 and H.R. 3323) that were introduced into the (American) Senate and HoR in 2005? I'm doing some research on journalistic shield privilege in Canada and thought it would be a good idea to get some American background for context. I've already gone through Branzburg v. Hayes and its associated discussion on the First Amendment.

I understand that many individual states (most?) have shield legislation in place, but there is currently no federal legislation in the US. The bills referred to in my question would have, I believe, introduced a federal-level journalist shield privilege.

I don't have a lot of experience researching American legislation, so I am wondering if someone out there could either fill me in on what the latest developments are (judiciary hearings perhaps?), or give me some tips on how to find out. I'm guessing some things might have changed since the Plame and Cooper affair.

Thanks!